Yes, the dad, Ray Waller, does indeed get possessed in the horror film Night Swim. This unsettling event is a major turning point in the movie, showcasing the malevolent influence of the supernatural swimming pool.
The Pool's Sinister Influence on Ray
As the plot of Night Swim unfolds, the seemingly idyllic swimming pool at the family's new home begins to exert a dark and dangerous power. Ray Waller, a former baseball player struggling with a debilitating illness, initially finds the pool's "healing" properties miraculous. However, these benefits come with a terrifying price, as the entity residing within the pool demands a life in exchange for its gifts.
The pool's influence gradually takes a sinister hold over Ray, culminating in his complete possession. During a critical and chaotic sequence of events, while his son, Elliot, is also in grave danger within the pool, Ray succumbs entirely to the malevolent force. In the house, a possessed Ray starts to attack Izzy, his daughter. This shocking act underscores the profound and terrifying control the entity has over him, transforming him from a protective father into a direct threat to his own family.
Manifestations of Ray's Possession
Ray's possession is a key element that amplifies the horror and desperation faced by the Waller family. His actions while under the pool's control demonstrate the true extent of its corrupting power:
- Loss of Agency: Ray loses all control over his own body and mind, becoming a puppet for the pool's entity.
- Violent Outbursts: His attack on Izzy is a clear and brutal demonstration of the malevolent will driving him.
- Psychological Manipulation: The pool not only possesses Ray physically but also exploits his vulnerabilities and desires, leading him down a path of increasing darkness.
- Escalation of Threat: Ray's possession transforms the threat from an external supernatural force into an internal one, making the family's situation even more dire as one of their own becomes an antagonist.
The possession of Ray Waller serves as a stark reminder that the pool's gifts are not free, and its power extends beyond its waters to corrupt those who fall under its influence, creating a chilling and unforgettable element of the film's narrative.
